South Korea camper sales plunge 81% after pandemic boom

A public campsite in Hwaseong, used by about 50,000 people annually, will close next month. A training ground for the professional football club Hwaseong FC is planned for the site. The campsite was designated an excellent campsite by the government last year, but closure was announced nine months later. Dozens of online petitions against the closure were not properly considered: the city accepted opinions only by mail and in-person visits, and the 1.8 billion won budget for the training ground was approved before the feedback period ended. The city cited the campsite's operating deficit and the opening of an alternative campsite as reasons for closure.

The 7th Suwon Camping Car Show 2026 will be held from October 9 to 11 at the Suwon Convention Center (SCC) in Gwanggyo. About 30 manufacturers of campers, caravans and custom conversion companies will participate. The exhibition will focus on campers based on Kia PV5 and Hyundai ST1 EV electric platforms, as well as Staria and Carnival Hi-Limousine custom models. Admission is 5,000 won at the door, or 3,000 won with a 40% discount when booked online.

The Suwon Camping Car Show 2026 will take place from October 9 to 11, 2026, at the Suwon Convention Center in Gwanggyo, Suwon, South Korea. The event is hosted by the Korea Leisure Vehicle Industry Association and organized by Interfesta. About 30 domestic and international manufacturers of motorhomes and caravans will participate. Exhibits will include electric PBV campers based on the Kia PV5 and Hyundai ST1, traditional motorhomes, caravans, and truck campers. Admission is 5,000 won at the door or 3,000 won (40% discount) with online reservation.

The Suwon Camping Car Show 2026 will take place from October 9 to 11 at the Suwon Convention Center (SCC) in Gwanggyo, South Korea. More than 30 manufacturers and custom companies will participate, showcasing motorhomes, caravans, truck campers, and electric camper vans based on Kia PV5 and Hyundai ST1 EV platforms. Visitors can receive consultations on contracts, options, and after-sales service. Admission is 5,000 won on-site or 3,000 won with a 40% discount via online reservation.

Korean design studio Lotux Grey Studio unveiled a camper van concept based on the Kia PV7, featuring an extended cargo area and NCM batteries of 71.5 and 96.2 kWh.

On September 14, a video was published on the YouTube channel "Poongja TV" showing the delivery of a custom camper van based on the Kia PV5. TV personality Poongja, who recently lost 33 kg, waited about six months for the vehicle: nearly five months in the queue due to high demand and just over two weeks for the interior conversion. Such campers are priced between 40 and 50 million won. The interior features a flat floor, storage drawers, a table, a mosquito net, a microwave, a fridge-freezer, and a touch-sensitive sink; the electric vehicle allows all appliances to run, provides heating in winter and cooling in summer. An automatic awning with remote control is installed outside.